POPSUGAR Celebrity

Pediatric Melanoma's on the Rise: Protect Your Kids!

Jul 31 2013 - 9:29am

We're more than halfway through the Summer, so you've had plenty of opportunities to get into the sun and soak up some vitamin D. But have you been soaking up more than you bargained for out there? Melanoma's on the rise, and a recent article in the journal Pediatrics [1] reports that incidences of pediatric skin cancer have risen two percent each year on average, a scary statistic if you think about the number of children playing in the sun each day. Harder to detect in kids than adults, signs of pediatric melanoma include tumors that are symmetrical and lacking pigmentation, rather than abnormally shaped dark bumps on adults.

The surest way to protect kids from the deadly disease is to shield them from the sun whenever possible. Lucky for you, it's easy and more fashionable to do than you think! Click through for our complete guide to keeping little ones safe all Summer long.

Source: Flickr user mikebaird [2]

World Market [3]'s Blue Chevron Beach Umbrella [4] ($17) is so chic in aqua and orange!

One of the highest-rated sunscreens [5] on the EWG's site, Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Mineral Block Face Stick [6] ($10) is a mineral-based sunscreen using both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block the sun's rays. Plus, in stick form, it's easy to apply to squirmy tots and fits nicely inside a diaper bag.

A natural, chemical-free sunscreen, Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen [8] ($19) has a high zinc oxide content to keep skin safe. The very highly rated lotion [9] goes on clear so there are no tell-tale white streaks on your kids' arms and legs.

We're so excited that Parasol has introduced boyswear to its stylish collection of UPF 50+ resortwear. The Navy Shark Swimshirt [10] ($65) is so cool, he won't mind the extra layer of coverage in the least.

The absolute coziest way to towel off postswim, Snapper Rock [11]'s Towel Stripe One-Piece [12] ($40) will keep your little boy or girl snuggly and safe from the sun.

Thinkbaby [13], which was already known for its popular bottles and sippy cups, just received an extremely high rating from the EWG [14] for its Thinksport Thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 30+ [15] ($15). The zinc-oxide-based sun blocker does not contain any nanoparticles, making it safe for babies and big kids alike.

Canine-loving kids will appreciate basking in the sun in Egg by Susan Lazar's Cotton Shirting Dog Print Hat [16] ($22-$26), complete with a chin strap to keep it secure.

The new TruKid Sunny Days Mineral All Natural Sunscreen [23] ($20) is quickly becoming a favorite around here. The mineral-based lotion, which uses zinc oxide as its sunblock, received the EWG's highest rating [24], for its nontoxic, nonnano, and gluten-free formula.

For a special splurge, the Spanish Chevron umbrella [26] ($239) by Basil Bangs offers UPF protection and will make your family the most stylishly shaded on the beach!

Stay covered up on a breezy beach day in Coolibar's chic Girls Beach Tunic [27] ($50) — does this come in our size?!

The clever design of the Sport-Brella [28] ($60) makes it a hybrid umbrella, sun tent, and wind shelter.

Pottery Barn [29] Kids' reversible sun hat [30] ($15) features bold pink-and-white polka dots on one side and a muted pink-and-orange plaid on the other.

One of the best features of this protective Baby Boy Rashguard [31] ($30) is the trio of snaps at the neck, making it extrabreathable and comfy.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Parasol's Ice Cream Ruched Top [32] ($65)!

Mustela [33]'s Broad Spectrum Mineral Sun Stick [34] ($16) is part of the European brand's new line of sun care using natural filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to filter the sun's rays. The paraben-free, phthalate-free, and phenoxyethanol-free formula received the EWG's high rating [35].

Zip her up into Snapper Rock [36]'s fish-print Sunsuit [37] ($39) and feel good knowing that she's protected by its UPF 50+ fabric.

At just $30, Gigatent's Beach Cabana [38] is an excellent value. Zip up the front panel for privacy, or leave it open to create an enlarged play space.

Coppertone [39]'s Pure & Simple Sunscreen [40] ($9) — perhaps the most widely available lotion on the market — is oil-, fragrance-, and dye-free and provides broad-spectrum protection through a gentle zinc oxide formula, earning it a great rating [41] on the EWG list.

Keep the whole family under cover with Scenario Home's UV-protected Beach Umbrella [42] ($195) in cheery yellow and white.

iPlay's oversize floppy floral hat [43] ($8) features the added bonus of UPF protection, making it a no-brainer for sunny beach days.

The small, travel-size tubes of Babyganics Cover Up Baby On-the-Go Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotion [44] ($4) are convenient for day trips to the beach or pool, while their strong rating [45], which comes from high zinc oxide content, makes them a must buy for parents.

A Garnet Hill exclusive, this Rashguard and Ruffled Bottom Set [46] ($37) will make your little girl the hit of the beach.

Simple and sweet, Petit Bateau [47]'s Daisy Print Hat [48] ($25) features snap-up detailing so that the hat's coverage can be adjusted.

Jessica Alba [54]'s Honest Company sunscreen [55] ($14) is newly reformulated this year, making it more effective (and less streaky) than before. The new formula only uses zinc oxide as a sunscreen — so it is safe for babies — and it is packed with organic oils that make it easy to rub in.

One of the highest-rated sunscreens [57] on the EWG list (it has a low health concern), Badger's Baby Sunscreen Lotion [58] ($18) is certified natural, using zinc oxide as a blocker and aloe vera as its base for easy application.

Because infant skin is especially sensitive, Coolibar's Beach Romper [59] ($40) offers full-coverage UPF protection, and it comes in four fun prints and colors for baby boys and girls.

Giggle's Compact Beach Shelter [60] ($47) is the perfect portable tent for parents of little ones who are likely to take a seaside siesta.